Paul Kirner's Music Palace, Ynys Hir

On April 9th a large group of Whitchurch Wi members boarded the coach to take them to Paul Kirner's Music Palace, in Ynys Hir. This is a museum in a converted chapel, that collects and celebrates the cinema organ that used to accompany silent films.

 

 

 

A group of gentlemen looked after the WI ladies, with most of the presentation being given by Ben Snowdon. He explained the history of the Music Palace, described the various organs on display, and entertained us with a range of musical pieces on several of the organs. 

We were amazed by the size and range of pipes, glockenspiels, percussions instriuments, foley equipment and more, hidden behind and alongside the display screen. Two large organs took it in turns to be centre stage, rising up and gliding down on lifts.

 

 

 

 

 

During the interval, we were given a delicious cream tea, served by the gentlemen - which was something of a novelty for a group of women. The afternoon visit ended with a sing-along. Everyone agreed that it was a splendid outing and that the Music Palace is a gem, hidden in the heart of Rhondda Valleys.

 

 

Paul Kirner's Music Palace (former Saron Chapel)
South Street, Ynyshir, Porth, CF39 0EG

https://www.pktoc.co.uk/